Swim Rolling start

The IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables d'Olonne - Vendée will be using a “Rolling Swim Start” in 2019.

This method of start has been introduced into several IRONMAN events across the globe with positive feedback and outcomes.

2 - What is a rolling start?

Athletes will line up according to their realistic (!) predicted swim time (self-seeding) It will take approximately 80 minutes to get the entire field across the swim start line. 6 athletes will start each 10 seconds.
This will create a “time trial” dynamic for the race and for the determination of the final results.
Each athlete individual race time will start when they cross the swim start timing mat.

3 - How does this work?

- The (on-shore) pre swim start area, will be divided into starting zones based on an athletes predicted swim time for the 1.9 km course.
- There are 10 swim areas (excluding pro athletes):
• under 30’
• under 32’
• under 34’
• under 36’
• under 38’
• under 40’
• under 42’
• under 44’
• under 50’
• more 50’

You don't have to register for your swim area. You will choose on the race morning

Only 5 corrals will be set-up at the same time

Some volunteers will show you the estimated time of these corrals (-30 min, 30/32min, 33/34min…)

Since the rolling Start will take 1h20, athletes waiting for the start will have to wait outside the corral. When the volunteer shows you the corral according to your estimated time, you can enter the corral.

Example : I want to swim in 44 minutes. Since the start takes place at 10:25am, I wait around the start area. The StreetWear bags drop-off will be open so I can change my clothes until the last moment before the start.

For safety reasons and in order to ensure you a better comfort in the water and on the bike and to avoid drafting, the swim start is spread over 1h20.

* The swim cut off time is 1:10hrs starts when the athlete enters the water. If an athlete overtake the time, he will be disqualified immediately
- Athletes will seed themselves into these zones based on predicted swim times.
- Groups will commence a rolling start based on these groups with fastest athletes on course first.
- Athletes timing chips will activate once they cross designated swim start timing mat, on the start line.